Meet Jeremy Cumpton, education manager at Hattiesburg Zoo. He coordinates all field trips, outreach, overnights and summer camps while developing program curricula.

He started and oversees the conservation program and manager-on-duty program. He also oversees all animal shows and planned special events such as Pirate Day, Starry Nights and the Renaissance Festival.

Cumpton began working in his field when he was 13. He volunteered at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center in New Orleans. In 2013, he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from the University of Southern Mississippi.

He and his fiance, Zac Roth, live in Hattiesburg. His sister, Kellee Cumpton, lives in Destin, Florida.

What advice would you give people who want to get into the same line of work as you? Volunteer whenever possible at your local shelters, nature centers or zoos. Also, remember just because you get pooped on, does not mean you have to have a crappy time.